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MAX3ds Max

PixPatch AI

by cmjohncheng·VFX

Illustrative cover generated by AnyPlugins — no product screenshot available.

Why we like it

Earns a place for tying the 3ds Max Frame Buffer directly to Gemini AI and keeping billing under your control through the Bring Your Own Key model.

What is PixPatch AI?

PixPatch AI links 3ds Max to Google's Gemini AI so you can modify, enhance, and fix renders in real time without leaving the viewport. Grab frames directly from the Corona VFB, V-Ray Frame Buffer, or native Max Render Window, paint a mask, and let the AI do the work. Mask an area and describe the change: add people with lighting, shadows, and blending handled automatically, swap materials, or add missing decor and props.

Difference-aware blending detects when an added object extends beyond the initial mask and expands the blend to match. A built-in interactive eraser refines masks and AI results, while pixel alignment matches the patch resolution and position to your render. AI smart prompting analyzes scene context to generate results automatically.

PixPatch AI uses a Bring Your Own Key model: your Google Gemini API key is stored locally and you pay Google directly, with no monthly subscription from the developer. Version 2.1 adds the Inspiration Lab, Motion Lab, and Style Transfer.

Who is PixPatch AI best for?

PixPatch AI is best for architectural visualization artists working in 3ds Max with Corona or V-Ray who want to modify or fix renders without a full re-render.

How much does PixPatch AI cost?

PixPatch AI is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Direct VFB capture from the Corona VFB, V-Ray Frame Buffer, or native Max Render Window
  • Difference-aware blending that expands the blend when an added object extends beyond the initial mask
  • Native interactive eraser brush for refining masks and AI results inside 3ds Max
  • AI smart prompting that analyzes scene context to generate photorealistic results automatically
  • Seamless pixel alignment matching the patch resolution and position to your render
  • Bring Your Own Key model with the Google Gemini API key stored locally on your machine
  • Version 2.1 additions: Inspiration Lab (lighting and weather variants), Motion Lab (image to animation), and Style Transfer

Tags

#3ds Max#AI#Gemini#Architectural Visualization#Render Post-Processing#Corona#V-Ray#VFB

Frequently asked questions

What 3ds Max versions does PixPatch AI support?

PixPatch AI supports 3ds Max 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. It works with Corona or V-Ray as the renderer, since it captures frames from the Corona VFB, V-Ray Frame Buffer, or the native Max Render Window. Beyond the host and renderer, you also need a valid Google Gemini API key, which drives the AI operations for adding people, swapping materials, and fixing glitches. If you run one of these Max versions with Corona or V-Ray and have your key ready, you have everything the plugin needs to work.

How do I install PixPatch AI in 3ds Max?

PixPatch AI ships as a standard .mzp package, so installation is a drag-and-drop operation into 3ds Max with easy Toolbar integration for quick access. Once installed, you generate a Google Gemini API key in Google AI Studio by clicking Get API key, then Create API key in new project, and copy it. Paste that key into the PixPatch AI settings inside 3ds Max. From there you capture a frame, paint a mask, and describe the change you want the AI to make.

How does billing work with PixPatch AI's BYOK model?

PixPatch AI uses a Bring Your Own Key approach, so you supply your own Google Gemini API key and pay Google directly for the AI generations you run, with no monthly subscription from the developer. Your API key is stored locally on your machine, so your data remains yours. New Google Cloud users typically receive free credits toward Gemini usage. Because you pay the provider directly, there is no added commission on top of the API cost, which the developer states keeps your pricing at the provider's rate.

Is PixPatch AI free?

PixPatch AI is listed as free in this catalog. Keep in mind the plugin follows a Bring Your Own Key model, which means any AI generation costs are billed by Google directly through your own Gemini API key rather than by the developer. New Google Cloud users typically receive free credits toward Gemini usage, which can cover a batch of generations while you evaluate the workflow. For current licensing terms and any purchase details for the plugin itself, check the developer's page.

What's new in PixPatch AI version 2.1?

PixPatch AI version 2.1 adds three items to the toolset. The Inspiration Lab generates lighting and weather variants, the Motion Lab covers image to animation, and Style Transfer copies the mood from reference images. These sit alongside the core workflow of capturing a frame, masking an area, and prompting the AI to add people, swap materials, or fix small glitches. The version is dated March 2026 for anyone tracking when the features arrived in the plugin.

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